Mustang 2 Front Suspensions for these trucks! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Crank · 01-24-2003, 07:16 PM

Okay. I was wondering if there was wondering if there was anyone who knew about any Mustang II front suspensions available for our trucks that weld to the frame. Here is a pic of someones truck that was sold on Ebay. I know you guys remember it. I've been to Fat Man Fabrications and talked to the guys there. But they've never said anything about having one that welds on. They do however have one that bolts on, but I don't want one that just bolts on. I want one that has an ultra clean look. And what do you think would be the availability for parts? Would it be just like getting parts for any other car or would it be different for our big trucks. Thanks guys!
Brandon

Crank · 01-24-2003, 07:17 PM

Another.

JHickson6 · 01-24-2003, 07:24 PM

Mustang? sorry i don't understand, is that a F**D, why would you do something like that? I understand words like Camaro and Corvette but whats a Mustang?

FOR LIFE!!!

crazy longhorn · 01-24-2003, 07:35 PM

Thats some slick lookin suspension, & I have looked at it, But its a bit pricey! I had to really think .....what will I gain for all that cash? 1 more thought on the weld in stuff....these old truck frames were designed to flex,& if you plan welding crossmembers/ upper a arm brackets to the frame, you will need to box the rails to handle the setup. crazyL

jiggs · 01-24-2003, 07:38 PM

Unless the company has re-engineered that system, I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole. Our trucks are a lot wider than a Mustang II. How did they manage to make the system wider? Did they just cut the center support and widen it? If so the rack and pinion steering will give terrible bump steer. Also consider how much heavier a 1/2 ton is, compared to a little unibody "Pinto". Is this system beefed up to handle the extra weight? What kind of brakes come with the kit? Pinto or better. Is the spindle still Mustang II. What about ball joints?

Maybe for a trailer queen, but not for a driver that is going to be driven hard. Now I don't know the specifics of that system, maybe all these problems have been addressed, but then it wouldn't be a Mustang II suspension anymore, now would it.

Just my $.02

Crank · 01-24-2003, 07:48 PM

Well CrazyL, that's exactly what I plan on doing. I'm going to box the frame; for looks as well as rigitity! I think this system is beefed up more than a regular pinto style suspension obviously. It doesn't really matter what style brakes they come with as eventually I would add a big brake kit. My truck will someday be a very beautiful street driven show truck!!! Also in the back is going a small C-Notch with a welded cross member back there to hold Air Bags! So, it's gonna be a heaping mass of Chevy(altered by Brandon)steel

.......
Brandon

MOTHERTRUCKERS · 01-24-2003, 10:21 PM

Bra e-mail me on the mustang 2 kit for 67-72 with 11" disc brakes and i'll send you the specs and boxing patterns. We have done 6 trucks so far with no problems.

minibike · 01-25-2003, 01:45 AM

I don't know what you would gain, other than looks. But, to each his own. It does look nice.

heschultz · 01-25-2003, 02:21 AM

I got mine through Jim Meyer Racing. Heres a link www.jimmeyerracing.com

crazy longhorn · 01-25-2003, 10:40 AM

I would think that you could gain a bunch of ground clearance on a slammed truck with that style suspension, & like I said....slick as hell! If it fits your budget Brandon.......I say go for it! good luck,crazyL

slam33 · 01-25-2003, 11:21 AM

Ya, I want to take the front end off a 2200 lb. car and slap it up under my 3300 lb. truck. That should work. Hey maybe I can use a Pinto brake system too since it should be lighter. Of course I still want that big block under the hood.

O'l Buck · 01-25-2003, 12:58 PM

Ok Brad, it's time for some school here.....the way I see it, it's ok to put f@rd parts on a f@rd. It's ok to put Chevy or GM parts on a f@rd, but never put f@rd parts on a Chevy........infection could result, and they don't make anti-rejection medication for trucks!!!........Just my opinion........Btw, look at the bottom truck in my sig.

70 Jimmy · 01-25-2003, 03:40 PM

OK guys here goes...
The reasons for going Mustang II "STYLE" suspension.

1) Ground clearance
2) Easy
3) Aftermarket parts (ie Big brakes, Quality A arms, etc.).
4) Tried and true. Streetrodders have been doing this for years. Bumpsteer on these things have been worked out many years ago.
5) Strength. Even if you were to use the Mustang crossmember, it was designed the have a F@rd small block or a realatively heavy 4 cyl right above the crossmember. A arms are quality tubular. If you heard they were weak, you heard wrong. Besides,It's just a Mustang II STYLE but it's much beefier
6) Looks. Clean, clean, clean.

crazy longhorn · 01-25-2003, 04:02 PM

2nd that 70 jimmy, & to add a little those mustang II type setups run the same balljoints found under full sized fords. They have also been run in everything from pickups to full sized 50s Buicks! My reason to not run 1 is .......if I cant rebuild, or modify the stock stuff.......I cant afford it!

crazyL

hobby67stepside · 01-25-2003, 05:02 PM

I have used Fatman's Mustang II kit on a project ('57 Ford
f-100) and I can vouch that it is heavy duty enough for any engine you want to put in, the bump steer probelm is definitely engineered OUT, and it is relatively easy to install. Don't let the naysayers talk you out of it for anything but aesthetic reasons (Ford parts in a Chevy) I couldn't believe the driving difference it made.

MOTHERTRUCKERS · 01-25-2003, 08:11 PM

They are the best upgrade we have ever done to a 47-72 truck for the money.

adamls · 01-25-2003, 10:31 PM

I would do it just for the looks of the tubular a-arms and coil-overs. This where I want to take mine but the $$ is slowing that down right now.

mikep · 01-25-2003, 11:00 PM

Ive seen them installed in chevelles and big chevies among others and quite a few other cars that are a LOT heavier than 3300 lbs and I have never heard anyone complain about not being able to stop after a 150 mph 1/4 mile run. Fact is that if you are going to go through the trouble of installing a custom front suspension then you are probably not going to be picking up a 3000 lb load of cow manure. Its no longer a truck. Its a vehicle.

new2my62 · 01-25-2003, 11:52 PM

try this link
http://www.cachassisworks.com/home.htm

NPilot1975 · 01-26-2003, 12:02 AM

That front suspension is a Jim Meyer Racing crossmember. The company also offers a bolt in kit that I believe is very similar. Fat Man Fabrications also has a bolt in front crossmember that is very similar. I was thinking of getting one for my truck but haven't decided yet. Tell me if you find out any info.

neonlarry · 01-26-2003, 03:53 AM

I have heard that if you use the actual mustang II suspension that it is hard to find shocks that are strong enough. But, I have never looked into anything like that, I just remember someone with a 30s chevy truck telling me about how with that suspension you are always beaking shocks.

PanelDeland · 01-26-2003, 02:47 PM

Some of the heavier street rods and Customs that are wider are now using Ddddd-dodge Dakota front suspensions.They can be fitted with tubular control arms and have Rack and pinion.They also came with weight ratings designed for 1/2 ton trucks.I think someone is building kits to put these under the 67-72 trucks but I don't know who.

Jesse 67 c-10 · 01-26-2003, 04:10 PM

Ya that is a slick setup, Very clean, probably handles great and rides nice. It obviously wouldn't be as strong, the spindles are car ones and if you look at the width of the a arms, the distance between the rod ends from front to back on both the upper and lower arms, is Much narrower that our truck ones are, thus the wheel has a lot more leverage on those rod ends or bushings. so it would be weaker say if you hit a really big pothole while your brakes were locked up. *cringe* but I've never heard or any problems before, anyone on this whole board heard of anything actually happening? just think though too, desert rase trucks also use tubular control arms. It's probably well worth it.
Jesse

baggedblaz · 01-26-2003, 05:20 PM

ok so here goes,
i was in cali over october and stopped in at Bill Turners shop Turner Enterprises,
he said he was starting to work on a cross member for our year trucks and older, it uses a 88-97 style spindle and brake setup, looked cool still uses chevy parts and killer ground clearance not to mention a factory crossmember drop?
i'd probably wait or contact him for info?
Turner Enterprises Hemet,Ca. 1-909-926-1729
he also sells a dropped factory crossmember and all 60-72 chevy truck suspension too?
no website yet,but he advertises in Street Trucks mag.
good luck

Dropped67step · 01-26-2003, 06:06 PM

I think it is a great set up if you want better handling and steering, Who really cares if it has a ford name? I am a die hard chevy freak and if i could afford it there would be one under my truck but i cant so i will keep the bags. I think people freak out a little to much over the name. I am sure a few of you are going to slam me for this but I think if its your ride you have the right to do what ever you want to it even if it is putting a part on it named after a ford. You can start giving me hell now. just my 2 cents

01-24-2003, 07:16 PM	#1
Crank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Crittenden, KY Posts: 1,965	Mustang 2 Front Suspensions for these trucks! Okay. I was wondering if there was wondering if there was anyone who knew about any Mustang II front suspensions available for our trucks that weld to the frame. Here is a pic of someones truck that was sold on Ebay. I know you guys remember it. I've been to Fat Man Fabrications and talked to the guys there. But they've never said anything about having one that welds on. They do however have one that bolts on, but I don't want one that just bolts on. I want one that has an ultra clean look. And what do you think would be the availability for parts? Would it be just like getting parts for any other car or would it be different for our big trucks. Thanks guys! Brandon Attached Images

01-24-2003, 07:17 PM	#2
Crank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Crittenden, KY Posts: 1,965	Another. Attached Images

01-24-2003, 07:24 PM	#3
JHickson6 I Love This Stuff! Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 739	Mustang? sorry i don't understand, is that a F**D, why would you do something like that? I understand words like Camaro and Corvette but whats a Mustang? FOR LIFE!!! __________________ My Rides 1967 C10 In Pieces for now 1985 Ford B700 SourPuss Bus - BIG BLUE 2003 Silverado CITY WORKER YELLOW!!

01-24-2003, 07:35 PM	#4
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	Thats some slick lookin suspension, & I have looked at it, But its a bit pricey! I had to really think .....what will I gain for all that cash? 1 more thought on the weld in stuff....these old truck frames were designed to flex,& if you plan welding crossmembers/ upper a arm brackets to the frame, you will need to box the rails to handle the setup. crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

01-24-2003, 07:38 PM	#5
jiggs poker face Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Posts: 218	Unless the company has re-engineered that system, I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole. Our trucks are a lot wider than a Mustang II. How did they manage to make the system wider? Did they just cut the center support and widen it? If so the rack and pinion steering will give terrible bump steer. Also consider how much heavier a 1/2 ton is, compared to a little unibody "Pinto". Is this system beefed up to handle the extra weight? What kind of brakes come with the kit? Pinto or better. Is the spindle still Mustang II. What about ball joints? Maybe for a trailer queen, but not for a driver that is going to be driven hard. Now I don't know the specifics of that system, maybe all these problems have been addressed, but then it wouldn't be a Mustang II suspension anymore, now would it. Just my $.02 __________________ If you could kick the person in the *ss responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn't sit for a month.

01-24-2003, 07:48 PM	#6
Crank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Crittenden, KY Posts: 1,965	Well CrazyL, that's exactly what I plan on doing. I'm going to box the frame; for looks as well as rigitity! I think this system is beefed up more than a regular pinto style suspension obviously. It doesn't really matter what style brakes they come with as eventually I would add a big brake kit. My truck will someday be a very beautiful street driven show truck!!! Also in the back is going a small C-Notch with a welded cross member back there to hold Air Bags! So, it's gonna be a heaping mass of Chevy(altered by Brandon)steel ....... Brandon

01-24-2003, 10:21 PM	#7
MOTHERTRUCKERS Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: BRADENTON FLA Posts: 3,269	Bra e-mail me on the mustang 2 kit for 67-72 with 11" disc brakes and i'll send you the specs and boxing patterns. We have done 6 trucks so far with no problems. __________________ Rest in Peace Ed. Thanks for all the good times.

01-25-2003, 01:45 AM	#8
minibike Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Lafayette, LA Posts: 500	I don't know what you would gain, other than looks. But, to each his own. It does look nice. __________________ 69 SWB LT1/4L60E www.classicplace.com

01-25-2003, 02:21 AM	#9
heschultz Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Magnolia, Texas USA Posts: 46	I got mine through Jim Meyer Racing. Heres a link www.jimmeyerracing.com __________________ 70 SWB Chevy(in progress), 67 Front clip W/Cowl Induction Hood, Shaved Handles, Tailgate, Gas Filler Neck, Roof Seem, Cargo Light, and Side Marker Lights, T.P.I. 350 (all chrome except block and heads), 700r4, Bagged, Jim Meyer Racing Mustang II Front Suspension, 4 Link Rear Suspension, 4 Wheel Disk Brakes, Silver Powder Coated Frame, 20" Boyd Coddington Wheels 99 Suzuki Hayabusa(Black/Silver)

01-25-2003, 10:40 AM	#10
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	I would think that you could gain a bunch of ground clearance on a slammed truck with that style suspension, & like I said....slick as hell! If it fits your budget Brandon.......I say go for it! good luck,crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

01-25-2003, 11:21 AM	#11
slam33 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Long Beach, Ca Posts: 1,432	Ya, I want to take the front end off a 2200 lb. car and slap it up under my 3300 lb. truck. That should work. Hey maybe I can use a Pinto brake system too since it should be lighter. Of course I still want that big block under the hood. __________________ 71 LWB 350/350still working on it but it's going tp be sweet. www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html " TARGET=_blank>http://www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html?1004806705410 </A>

01-25-2003, 12:58 PM	#12
O'l Buck Recovering Truck Driver Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Orleans, NE USA Posts: 1,883	Ok Brad, it's time for some school here.....the way I see it, it's ok to put f@rd parts on a f@rd. It's ok to put Chevy or GM parts on a f@rd, but never put f@rd parts on a Chevy........infection could result, and they don't make anti-rejection medication for trucks!!!........Just my opinion........Btw, look at the bottom truck in my sig. __________________ 67 K-20 350, SM465, Eaton rear, 4.56 no spin option 00 Dodge 2500 4x4, 24V cummins, 5 speed Chad South Central Nebraska

01-25-2003, 03:40 PM	#13
70 Jimmy aka Crusher, Crushergmc Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,834	OK guys here goes... The reasons for going Mustang II "STYLE" suspension. 1) Ground clearance 2) Easy 3) Aftermarket parts (ie Big brakes, Quality A arms, etc.). 4) Tried and true. Streetrodders have been doing this for years. Bumpsteer on these things have been worked out many years ago. 5) Strength. Even if you were to use the Mustang crossmember, it was designed the have a F@rd small block or a realatively heavy 4 cyl right above the crossmember. A arms are quality tubular. If you heard they were weak, you heard wrong. Besides,It's just a Mustang II STYLE but it's much beefier 6) Looks. Clean, clean, clean. __________________ "KEEP IT DOWN!" 70 Jimmy 454 2wd 56 GMC Big Window "It's funny till someone gets hurt, then it's freakin' hilarious"

01-25-2003, 04:02 PM	#14
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	2nd that 70 jimmy, & to add a little those mustang II type setups run the same balljoints found under full sized fords. They have also been run in everything from pickups to full sized 50s Buicks! My reason to not run 1 is .......if I cant rebuild, or modify the stock stuff.......I cant afford it! crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears.... Last edited by crazy longhorn; 01-25-2003 at 04:12 PM.

01-25-2003, 05:02 PM	#15
hobby67stepside Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 952	I have used Fatman's Mustang II kit on a project ('57 Ford f-100) and I can vouch that it is heavy duty enough for any engine you want to put in, the bump steer probelm is definitely engineered OUT, and it is relatively easy to install. Don't let the naysayers talk you out of it for anything but aesthetic reasons (Ford parts in a Chevy) I couldn't believe the driving difference it made. __________________ '05 2500 HD Silverado 6.0 liter '97 2500 4X4 454 eng '92 2500 4X4 350 eng '78 K20 4X4 400 eng '70 Boss 302 (owner for 27 years) '57 Ford shortbox 383 stroker TH350 tranny '23 T-bucket (built in '78) '02 Explorer '67 C-10 short step NW Iowa



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01-25-2003, 08:11 PM	#16
MOTHERTRUCKERS Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: BRADENTON FLA Posts: 3,269	They are the best upgrade we have ever done to a 47-72 truck for the money. __________________ Rest in Peace Ed. Thanks for all the good times.

01-25-2003, 10:31 PM	#17
adamls Gotta Startem Early Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Amarillo, TX, USA Posts: 364	I would do it just for the looks of the tubular a-arms and coil-overs. This where I want to take mine but the $$ is slowing that down right now. __________________ 67 SWB In Progress, one piece at a time, maybe 3 years I will be finished

01-25-2003, 11:00 PM	#18
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	Ive seen them installed in chevelles and big chevies among others and quite a few other cars that are a LOT heavier than 3300 lbs and I have never heard anyone complain about not being able to stop after a 150 mph 1/4 mile run. Fact is that if you are going to go through the trouble of installing a custom front suspension then you are probably not going to be picking up a 3000 lb load of cow manure. Its no longer a truck. Its a vehicle. __________________ No truck :-(

01-25-2003, 11:52 PM	#19
new2my62 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: los angeles Posts: 8	try this link http://www.cachassisworks.com/home.htm

01-26-2003, 12:02 AM	#20
NPilot1975 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Plymouth, MA Posts: 891	That front suspension is a Jim Meyer Racing crossmember. The company also offers a bolt in kit that I believe is very similar. Fat Man Fabrications also has a bolt in front crossmember that is very similar. I was thinking of getting one for my truck but haven't decided yet. Tell me if you find out any info. __________________ 1972 Blazer body...need to get a thread started for the rest of the story

01-26-2003, 03:53 AM	#21
neonlarry Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 2,745	I have heard that if you use the actual mustang II suspension that it is hard to find shocks that are strong enough. But, I have never looked into anything like that, I just remember someone with a 30s chevy truck telling me about how with that suspension you are always beaking shocks. __________________ 70 C/10 Light Red 350/TH350, HEI, Duals w/40 series Flows, 91 seat, LED taillights 99 Pontiac S/C GTP, SLP Ram Air hood, GMPP Konis & springs 95 Neon ACR, MP PCM, AFX UDP, 3.0 CAI

01-26-2003, 02:47 PM	#22
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Some of the heavier street rods and Customs that are wider are now using Ddddd-dodge Dakota front suspensions.They can be fitted with tubular control arms and have Rack and pinion.They also came with weight ratings designed for 1/2 ton trucks.I think someone is building kits to put these under the 67-72 trucks but I don't know who. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

01-26-2003, 04:10 PM	#23
Jesse 67 c-10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Posts: 599	Ya that is a slick setup, Very clean, probably handles great and rides nice. It obviously wouldn't be as strong, the spindles are car ones and if you look at the width of the a arms, the distance between the rod ends from front to back on both the upper and lower arms, is Much narrower that our truck ones are, thus the wheel has a lot more leverage on those rod ends or bushings. so it would be weaker say if you hit a really big pothole while your brakes were locked up. cringe but I've never heard or any problems before, anyone on this whole board heard of anything actually happening? just think though too, desert rase trucks also use tubular control arms. It's probably well worth it. Jesse __________________ Edmonton, Alberta, 67 c-10, Long fleet, front disks, 5 lug rear end, 327 with Vortechs, edlbrock manifold, comp cams XE 256, 600cfm carb. Backed by a getrag 5 speed and 1 piece driveshaft. 1993 Dihatsu Hijet Jumbo cab 4x4, currently converting to battery electric power.

01-26-2003, 05:20 PM	#24
baggedblaz Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Layton,Ut Posts: 196	ok so here goes, i was in cali over october and stopped in at Bill Turners shop Turner Enterprises, he said he was starting to work on a cross member for our year trucks and older, it uses a 88-97 style spindle and brake setup, looked cool still uses chevy parts and killer ground clearance not to mention a factory crossmember drop? i'd probably wait or contact him for info? Turner Enterprises Hemet,Ca. 1-909-926-1729 he also sells a dropped factory crossmember and all 60-72 chevy truck suspension too? no website yet,but he advertises in Street Trucks mag. good luck __________________ '82 chev swb 4dr 2wd project '72 2wd blazer LT1/4L60E "SURFSIN" bagged 20's '71 2wd blazer '95 chev 2wd Xcab swb

01-26-2003, 06:06 PM	#25
Dropped67step Gearhead since birth Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ft. Worth TX. Posts: 190	I think it is a great set up if you want better handling and steering, Who really cares if it has a ford name? I am a die hard chevy freak and if i could afford it there would be one under my truck but i cant so i will keep the bags. I think people freak out a little to much over the name. I am sure a few of you are going to slam me for this but I think if its your ride you have the right to do what ever you want to it even if it is putting a part on it named after a ford. You can start giving me hell now. just my 2 cents

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